"Higher Power"
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 5/01/2008
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Between his time in the recently reunited Christian metal band Stryper, his solo career, and his remaining time as a dedicated family man, Michael Sweet's schedule appears to be maxed out. But a recent invitation from Tom Scholz—co-founder/guitarist/songwriter for classic rock band Boston—started a chain of offers that were simply too amazing to refuse. Fans of Boston may recall the death of frontman Brad Delp in early 2007, which was followed by a concert featuring surviving members paying tribute to the powerhouse vocalist behind hits like "More Than a Feeling," "Don't Look Back" and "Amanda." After participating at that show, Sweet was officially asked to join the band, celebrating Boston's 30-plus-year career with a worldwide tour. Sweet shared with Christian Music Today what it means to him to be part of one of his all-time favorite bands, especially during a difficult time for his wife and family.
You were last seen and heard after reuniting with Stryper and then releasing your solo hymns project Him in 2006. What have you been up to since then?
Michael Sweet: It's been an interesting year or two to say the least—a lot has transpired that's good and bad. The hymns record did quite well and a lot of great things came from it. But not long after that, in February 2007, my wife was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. She immediately went through surgery—on Valentine's Day—and we've been going through the ups and downs of treatment over the last year. We just keep praying, believing, and remaining faithful that God is going to get her through. I've since recorded the solo CD Touched for my wife, a compilation of covers like "You Are So Beautiful" and "Without You" to really speak to her heart. It's been an incredibly emotional time—the most frightening time of our lives, through there have been a lot of incredible things as well.
Such as being asked to step in as lead singer for Boston?
Sweet Right, during that time, I received an e-mail from a gentleman asking if I wanted to comment on the passing of Brad Delp, the lead singer of Boston [who committed suicide in March 2007]. I wrote a few paragraphs about his passing and what his music meant to me.
Boston was a big part of my musical background and I still remember when I first heard the self-titled album back when I was 13 years old—I would play it over and over again.
Though I was a Christian at the time, I've never really been one who only listens to Christian music. Boston's had a strong musical influence on me, shaping the way I approach writing, arranging, guitar sounds, etc.—their debut just floored me.
So after I wrote that paragraph about Brad, I received an e-mail from Kim Scholz, [the wife of founding guitarist/songwriter Tom Scholz], inviting me to participate in a tribute show last August in Boston. It was a night of everyone coming together to raise funds for charities that Brad was a part of, plus it was a celebration of Brad's life. And Tom Scholz had told me he heard [Stryper's 2005 CD] Reborn and really enjoyed it. He liked my songwriting and my voice, so the door was opened from there.
How did this opportunity factor in with your personal strains?
Sweet It all came at probably a point in my life where I was emotionally at my lowest. I was so fearful what we were going through with my wife being ill and was so very afraid, asking God why this was happening. It was a really difficult time and then I got this call, which I personally believe was God tapping my shoulder and saying, "I'm still here." I felt it was completely a God thing.
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